New York is now only one step away from becoming the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana.
Both houses of the state legislature passed the bill late Tuesday night. It legalizes recreational use of marijuana and clears the records of those who have been convicted of possession.
Republican leaders in the legislature say the marijuana bill doesn't solve any problems and creates new ones.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay says legalizing marijuana guarantees young people will have greater access to a drug they shouldn’t be anywhere near.
Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt added that concerns expressed by public health officials were ignored.
Governor Cuomo says he looks forward to signing the bill.